TSA: Airport Security Pat-Downs Are Here to Stay

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Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chief John Pistole made an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday to discuss the controversy surrounding the security measures that are in place at airports across the country. Under those security measures, airline passengers at some airports must go through full-body scanners, which are capable of seeing through passengers’ clothing. The TSA plans to have 500 scanners installed at airports across the country by the end of this year, with plans to install an additional 500 scanners by the end of 2011. Although passengers can opt out of the scans, those who choose to do so–as well as those who require a secondary screening–must be go through a pat-down, which involves a TSA agent checking the passenger’s breasts and/or groin. While Pistole acknowledged that some passengers were concerned about the images produced by the scanners, and that some felt that the pat-downs were “demeaning,” he noted that the TSA’s security policies are not going to change. However, the TSA has relaxed some of its security procedures for airline pilots. The TSA announced Friday that pilots would no longer be required to go through the full-body scans or endure the pat-downs–a move that came after pilots criticized the security measures as being unnecessary. Nevertheless, pilots will still be required to present ID and go through metal detectors at airport security checkpoints.

By: Armour National Security Group, LLC,  http://www.armournationalsecurity.com